Artikel
Hearing loss caused by bilateral metastases in the internal auditory canal
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Veröffentlicht: | 22. September 2005 |
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Gliederung
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A 50 year old woman with a 2 month history of hearing loss on the right side was referred to our outpatient-clinic. In course of the diagnostic investigations a MR imaging of the head was performed. The scan showed bilateral masses in the internal auditory canal. As there were no other indications for neurofibromatosis type II but a history of ovarian cancer, the cerebrospinal canal was punctured. The histology showed cancer cells. The patient was referred to the department of obstetrics for further staging and therapy. In course of the staging examinations the patient developed a facial palsy on the right side and hearing loss on the left side. A new MRI showed a tumor progression on both sides. As no other tumors were detected elsewhere an intrathecal therapy with Methotrexat has been started by the Neurooncologist and radiotherapy is planned.
There are reports of bilateral metastases of the internal auditory canal from different entities. Histological examination in this site of manifestation is difficult and a radiological differentiation of these tumors not possible. Therapeutic aim is controlling growth of the process to preserve hearing and protect from a facial palsy. An early diagnosis is therefore important to conserve quality of life.